I am confused about the mx-850 editor software. If I go to their website and enter my s/n I can download a non-updateable program - correct? Now, many people have made an issue about the fact that it can't be updated.
Isn't it true that say once a month or so, I can repeat the above procedure and get the latest again?

Yes to everything.
It can be received from their website. It is not updateable, but it can be downloaded again later when it's more current.

Tons of people threw a fit over this, particularly forum DIYers.

Your dealer can often provide the software, but it's up to them.

That's about it. Months ago it took a 100 pages to say the same thing except there was a lot of hurt feelings in there :).

I am confused about the mx-850 editor software.... Isn't it true that say once a month or so, I can repeat the above procedure and get the latest again?

Ummm, correct me if I am wrong, but I thought the one you can download from the URC website is not only not updatable, but not updated either (since they implemented their "screw the end-user" policy.) In other words, you can download it a moth later, but it's exactly the same version, and the database is NOT updated.

At least this is what their statements were at the time. They may have quietly changed the policy under the pressure (as they did when they allowed the "non-updatable" downloads. I happily have an updatable MX app, so I don't know:D Nevertheless, the MX-850 is my last purchase of a product by URC.

To paraphraze ThomasV555:

Do not purchase URC products. They are dishonest.

Ryan,
I can easily see you having that viewpoint based on their company practices.

BUT, I bet you like your 850 and it will be a long time before you "need" to change it.

Looks like two conflicting opinions? Well guys, let me tell you what I want to do. I want to help my friends and neighbors setup their systems. Ok I know that URC wouldn't like me to do that but screw them. I have degrees in electrical engineering and computer science and have written software for the last 40 years. Yes I said forty. Those are my qualifications. I think URC has a ridiculous position and personally I recommend Harmony remotes to new contacts.

My present method involves using an old version of the MX editor, MXD files from Remote Central and a home-brew cable. It all works, but I would like less of a Rube Goldberg method. I would really like an updateable version of the software or a way to download an updated database.

I have degrees in electrical engineering and computer science and have written software for the last 40 years. Yes I said forty. Those are my qualifications. I think URC has a ridiculous position and personally I recommend Harmony remotes to new contacts.


For a software author and a EE I'm surprised at the logical disconnect between your CV and your view of URC's position. I'm neither, but I just don't get it...

Did you know that the lack of a database doesn't prevent you from learning any code you want on the MX-850? Or, if you bought it from an authorized dealer you can get the database-equipped version from them? Maybe you're just not fully up to speed on this yet.

Does anyone know where I can purchase a serial cable for my MX 850? My installer went out of business and now I need to make changes...

Thanks

For a software author and a EE I'm surprised at the logical disconnect between your CV and your view of URC's position. I'm neither, but I just don't get it...
Thanks for the reply. I don't know what a CV is, so I can't comment on your surprise. Please explain and I will be glad to answer.
Did you know that the lack of a database doesn't prevent you from learning any code you want on the MX-850? Or, if you bought it from an authorized dealer you can get the database-equipped version from them? Maybe you're just not fully up to speed on this yet.
I really do understand the learning feature of the remote and that if I had purchased a URC remote at all, I could get the software from an authorized dealer. Alas, I don't own a URC but would like to help others who have made the very grave mistake of not purchasing from an authorized dealer. I realize in your very limited view, they should be flogged in the public square, but I think otherwise.

No I think your first post was disingenuous. I'm not going to say you were trolling, but for a guy w/ 40 years of experience and "contacts" and who describes themselves as a part time "installer."

In addition, I hope you never get the updateable software, b/c you will just torrent it and proclaim how "Robin Hood" you are.

You don't need to be flogged, but I seriously think you are a baby for crying so much over upgradeability when 99% of the software is available and functional for yourself.

I understand Ryan1's position and agree w/ it to a degree, but you are full of it like so many who "pretend" here all the time.

Why don't you take your EE experience and go hack some DirecTv/Dish boxes? 40 years of ego..

Wow. I didn't realize what a touchy subject this was. I have searched this and the Remote Central forum and have discovered another faction - the installers. I think I understand your position except for the closed-minded attitude you have toward non-installers. I'm just trying to show that there are other people capable of using the full featured software. Possibly even more qualified than you.

CV is curriculum vitae, aka resume.

I realize in your very limited view, they should be flogged in the public square, but I think otherwise.

Never said that, nor thought it. People that buy hardware with a software agreement get the software, great. People that buy hardware outside of the software agreement don't get it, OK too.

Does anyone know where I can purchase a serial cable for my MX 850? My installer went out of business and now I need to make changes...

Thanks

Did you see my response to your post here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=924093)?

Regarding the software, URC did update the "non-updateable" software that you could download from their website a few months ago, so it does have the latest database codes. They've only done that once since the policy was enacted, where as there have been 2 or 3 Live Updates to the updatable software. So, to answer the OP's question, you can probably update your software by downloading it once a year, as opposed to 2-3 times a year. As others have said, you can always learn commands, as well as download files from Remote Central, so it's rare that a dabase update would give you something not available elsewhere.

Wow. I didn't realize what a touchy subject this was. I have searched this and the Remote Central forum and have discovered another faction - the installers. I think I understand your position except for the closed-minded attitude you have toward non-installers. I'm just trying to show that there are other people capable of using the full featured software. Possibly even more qualified than you.

I "can" use MS Office. I can use it better than some MS employees.
I will prove this by illegally downloading it off some Torrent site.

Does this really make sense? It's not a sensitivity issue.

Go buy a remote legitamately and prove it all you want. If you're so smart, you can recoup you're investment in 1-2 sales.

To MikeSRC:
Regarding the software, URC did update the "non-updateable" software that you could download from their website a few months ago, so it does have the latest database codes. They've only done that once since the policy was enacted, where as there have been 2 or 3 Live Updates to the updatable software. So, to answer the OP's question, you can probably update your software by downloading it once a year, as opposed to 2-3 times a year. As others have said, you can always learn commands, as well as download files from Remote Central, so it's rare that a dabase update would give you something not available elsewhere.
Thanks so much for answering my original question. I still have questions regarding the URC policy, but I'll take that up with URC. Thanks again.

To ThomasV555:
Looks like you have studied my posts, thought it through, and arrived at a set of incorrect conclusions. I think my friend you should at least look into trying some paranoia medication.

To buckswope:
You seem to be overly sensitive with your lot in life. Please look into reading The Power of Positive Thinking: A Practical Guide to Mastering the Problems of Everyday Living By Norman Vincent Peale. I believe it's available in Latin.

Thanks, I'll look into it, once I've finished with the pile of books currently sitting on my night stand.

CV is a common term of art in America. So is Caveat Emptor, displayed prominently on the back of the greenbacks your buddies spent to buy the MX-850's from non-authorized sources. Perhaps they should study Latin....

...So is Caveat Emptor, displayed prominently on the back of the greenbacks your buddies spent to buy the MX-850's from non-authorized sources. Perhaps they should study Latin....

Don't want to reignite a battle, but you should get your facts straight: At the time most bought their URC products from such "un-authorized" dealers as Amazon and Buy.com, URC was pushing the software for downloads from their website for free, stating that it is freely upgradable. They were trying to get us to buy the hardware. Most end-users were caught unaware when URC changed their policy in response to pressure from dealers pissed that too many sale were going to discounters and eroding their margins.

ThomasV555 is correct, I am actually happy with the MX850 (even if it started rattling shortly after I bought it:D) But there are alternatives from other companies, some even better priced, and when one day I do need another remote, I'll be looking elsewhere.

So, yeah, Caveat Emptor: Don't buy URC products.

P.S. For what it's worth, the URC database is very poor, particularly when viewed in light of URC's prices. Harmony has far better and much more current database of equipment, and their tech-support will actually input new codes within a few days when requested by customers. With URC, you have to beg either on Remote Central for someone to upload the code you are after, or harass the dealer that sold you the remote and hope that he has enough time to chase down and update codes.

Ryan,
I have to disagree on the database. URC's is far superior. They always have all the ON OFF discretes where Harmony usually has the input discretes and sometimes the ON OFF. Rarely do I find missing buttons.
W/ URC I can create discretes for ON OFF w/ cable boxes. Just recently was I able to w/ Harmony and it's at the end of the list. W/ Harmony you can reorder the Power On macro. They are getting there and maybe in a year or 2 they will have it or maybe they will go backwards on purpose. Who knows?
W/ a Harmony I test every button. How often do you create remotes where the volume doesn't progress when held or the guide doesn;t scroll up or down or right or left when held. I have to check and fix this everytime.

The other thing you don't understand from the past was that online dealers were selling below the "cost" URC and Harmony still had established for us to buy product at. That's not eroding margins, that's kicking us out. Harmony and URC still say they are working on controlling this "problem." They work on it everyday as they cash their checks :rolleyes:.

Kenlev,
You got caught being duplicitous. A 9 year old would have caught you. No need for studying you, egoboy ;).

...

The other thing you don't understand from the past was that online dealers were selling below the "cost" URC and Harmony still had established for us to buy product at. That's not eroding margins, that's kicking us out....

Regarding the DB, my personal experience has been abysmal. I spent days scouring the net and asking for discretes, like for a Dish 622 HD PVR or a Panny plasma. I've posted my files on RC, and a year later I don't think most are in the URC DB, despite all the updates. And I had to buy an IR keyboard so I don't have to bug some kind people on Remote Central for additional shortcuts for MCE. All the while I was running across posts from Harmony owners discussing the codes I needed, which were apparently available from Logitech.

As to the "below cost," how the hell did that work? Amazon, Buy.com and the guys on Ebay all had to buy the hardware from URC, unless they were getting close-outs. Do you mean that they were getting the remotes cheaper than the "authorized" dealers? Or buying them directly from the Chinese factory (over which URC certainly has control?) If URC was selling hardware cheaper to them, you guys should have just dumped URC.

Ummm, correct me if I am wrong, but I thought the one you can download from the URC website is not only not updatable, but not updated either (since they implemented their "screw the end-user" policy.) In other words, you can download it a moth later, but it's exactly the same version, and the database is NOT updated.

At least this is what their statements were at the time. They may have quietly changed the policy under the pressure (as they did when they allowed the "non-updatable" downloads. I happily have an updatable MX app, so I don't know:D Nevertheless, the MX-850 is my last purchase of a product by URC.

To paraphraze ThomasV555:

Do not purchase URC products. They are dishonest.

URC products don't live up to their claims as I just returned 3 of their URC remotes.

Regarding the DB, my personal experience has been abysmal. I spent days scouring the net and asking for discretes, like for a Dish 622 HD PVR or a Panny plasma. I've posted my files on RC, and a year later I don't think most are in the URC DB, despite all the updates. And I had to buy an IR keyboard so I don't have to bug some kind people on Remote Central for additional shortcuts for MCE. All the while I was running across posts from Harmony owners discussing the codes I needed, which were apparently available from Logitech.

As to the "below cost," how the hell did that work? Amazon, Buy.com and the guys on Ebay all had to buy the hardware from URC, unless they were getting close-outs. Do you mean that they were getting the remotes cheaper than the "authorized" dealers? Or buying them directly from the Chinese factory (over which URC certainly has control?) If URC was selling hardware cheaper to them, you guys should have just dumped URC.

Ryan,
I have had the Panny discretes since the PX50U series and can't remember when they did not have the Dish Network Codes. Sorry for your trouble. My source for obscure codes is a little better than most though.

I do the Harmony's too, but not enough to know exaclty when they get their discretes. I can upload controls and they add it to their database. I can upload incorrect codes and they add them in. This is their flaw, in addition to fragile remotes.

Many of us did drop the line, but we had sold so many already, so we maintain a level of support. Where do you think RTI sprang from? RTI is great, but just pricey. URC just showed short-term greed and they they can manage the fallout. A lot of companies have pulled this.

Tipstir,
If you recently returned 3 remotes, I am confused what current claims they were making. Could you elaborate?

PS Due to a PM, I am going to make something clear. I am not here to sell remotes or be extra tactful. I call it as I see it. If that involves a little confrontation, so be it.

Ryan,
I have had the Panny discretes since the PX50U series and can't remember when they did not have the Dish Network Codes. Sorry for your trouble. My source for obscure codes is a little better than most though.

I do the Harmony's too, but not enough to know exaclty when they get their discretes. I can upload controls and they add it to their database. I can upload incorrect codes and they add them in. This is their flaw, in addition to fragile remotes.

Many of us did drop the line, but we had sold so many already, so we maintain a level of support. Where do you think RTI sprang from? RTI is great, but just pricey. URC just showed short-term greed and they they can manage the fallout. A lot of companies have pulled this.

Tipstir,
If you recently returned 3 remotes, I am confused what current claims they were making. Could you elaborate?

PS Due to a PM, I am going to make something clear. I am not here to sell remotes or be extra tactful. I call it as I see it. If that involves a little confrontation, so be it.


I have five devices - TV, DVD Player, Pioneer Digital DTS etc.. , COX Digital SD/HDTV DVR, Hauppauge MediaMVP (network streaming media device). Their universal remotes will see everything except for MediaMVP that it has to learn from that remote. When you start using the learning and macro then you start see the limits. On my DVR there is a DVR List buttton for viewing what you had recorded on the DVR. Their remote won't even show or work with the Motorola box in that way. That's one problem, the other problems I found out that it forget some pre-program commands for my Pioneer. This should be easy not hard. I got 3 URC for the price of what you could get 1 good one for. But still they have problems. Not all the codes work so well with my stuff. So I decided to reset them back to factory default and return them. Now I'll have to find something else that must work with DVR.

But for their phone support tech to say this on the phone to me"you get what you pay for" there is no way I can say buying another model will work with what you have" The guy was a smart O he was the same guy I had spoken to before was he always ended his call with see ya buddy..

I have 5x twice for two different sets then 4x devices for other sets. So something has to work. I had looked at PHilips IconRemote, Philips DVR 8 remote and SONY 8 device remote today. Don't know which one I would buy they seem to offer a lot for the money. I heard some stories about the Harmony so I might back off on that.

Which ones did you buy is the key ? here?

Did you jump in on the Gamer remotes from Kmart?

No I haven't been to Kmart in years there is only one about 30 mins away.. I go to Wal-mart, Target, CC, BB, and RS only if there is no choice.. I gone with UEI since they make the M780 Cable Universal Remote I use with DCT 2000+, DCT 6200, DCT 6412 and DCT 6416. I got the one with female voice prompt 6-in-1 blacklight all buttons with text on them, plus a lot of memory and macro buttons, which has has solved my problems forget Harmony and URC remotes...

Yes, but which URC product did you purchase that gave you issues and where did you get it?

I understand you have moved on to UEI.